Great-great-grandmother, 92, asks to be arrested after ‘a life of being good’

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A 92-year-old great-great-grandmother was arrested by police at her own request because she “wanted to know what it was like to be naughty”.

Josie Birds, from north Manchester, requested to be taken into custody by officers as she said she had been good all her life.

The experience was organised by a family friend and two off-duty officers came to her house on Saturday afternoon.

Her granddaughter Pam Smith said: “They accused her of robbing a Co-op and her response was, ‘I don’t do my shopping in Co-op’.

A big thank you to @gmpolice for "arresting" my Gran Josie today. She is 93 years old and her health is failing, and she wanted to be arrested for something before it's too late. She has a heart of gold and thoroughly enjoyed it today. Thank you for granting her wishes. pic.twitter.com/hi1qkJESwv

“Give our best to Josie and I’ll try and pass your message back to the officers who kindly helped out.”

Ms Birds, who has six daughters, 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, worked at Avro Energy, where she met her husband Alf.

After she retired she worked in a local shop for a number of years.

Ms Smith said: “Most people who have commented have sent their best wishes to her and think she’s a brave lady. The family agree — she is brave and she is a wonderful inspiration to everyone who knows her.

“We are all so very grateful to Greater Manchester Police for being so agreeable to take part in this surprise for her. It really has made an old lady very happy.”